MICRO WORKOUTS TO STAY FIT DURING HOLIDAYS

With the festivals on us and the weather changing, it does get tough for some of us to stay motivated to exercise. There’s holiday plans, festival shopping, incredible amounts of food, parties and family visits and staying on top of your exercise routine can take a backseat. But there are a few ways to not get derailed from all the hard work you have put into staying fit and healthy. It’s just a few simple tweaks that will allow you the flexibility of enjoying the festivals without the guilt or completely letting go. 

Find every opportunity to move and say active. Additionally squeeze in a little exercise through the chaos of travel, shopping, family visits, pujas and parties. Aim for shorter, high intensity workouts. Instead of a full 30 -45 minute workout, do short 10-15 minute workouts three times a day. Even if it’s just a 10 minute brisk walk or jog that you can manage, it’s better than nothing. Also, just stay active, walk instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator.  

Create micro workout goals for the day. Write it on a piece of paper the night before and tick it off at the end of the day. This creates a momentum and helps you keep tabs and stay accountable. 

Make it social. How about hiking or mountain biking with friends instead of playing cards all day? Get your family and friends involved. This makes it fun and challenging at the same time. There are incredible outdoor and indoor opportunities for workouts – a game of futsal, running or tennis is always fun.

Eat healthy, nutritious meals. It’s tempting to eat all that heavy, fried stuff. Eat a little if you must but in the larger scheme of things, make healthier choices. Most people get tempted to overdo it during the holidays and think they will go on a diet afterwards and balance it out. It’s never ‘all or nothing’. That defeats the entire process and purpose of choosing a healthy and fit lifestyle. Remember sustainability and commitment to your health and wellbeing are the key to living an active and purposeful life. 

Stay active, practice mindful eating, get sufficient sleep, remain stress free and enjoy the festivals for the opportunity it all allows to meet and enjoy family and friends, travel, and understand our culture and rituals. 
Ultimately your health and fitness is what decides your quality of life, every single day; ensure you are making conscious choices.